The New Rules For Umrah Visas
If you are planning to perform Umrah in 2025, there are important changes you must note. The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has announced that visa applications will now require two key documents before approval. Every applicant must submit proof of a verified hotel booking as well as confirmed transport arrangements within Saudi Arabia. Without these two essentials, the application will not be considered valid.
The new rules have been introduced to improve crowd management in Mecca and Medina, ensure safe movement of pilgrims, and curb fraudulent accommodation deals that have affected travellers in previous years. By making these bookings mandatory, authorities hope to streamline the experience and enhance the overall safety and comfort of the pilgrimage.
Accommodation And Transport Proof
For accommodation, all hotel contracts must be verified through the official Nusuk Umrah or Nusuk Masar platforms, or via licensed travel operators. Random or unverified hotel reservations will no longer be accepted, and could lead to rejection of the visa application.
For transport, applicants must show evidence of pre-arranged travel within Saudi Arabia, such as airport transfers or local shuttles between Mecca and Medina. Many authorised tour packages already include these services, which will make it easier for pilgrims to meet the requirements. Both accommodation and transport bookings must be digitally uploaded or linked to the Nusuk platform, which now serves as the central hub for applications and verification.
How To Apply For An Umrah Visa In 2025
The application process for Umrah visas remains online through the Nusuk platform or through authorised travel agencies. The visa itself is free of charge but is valid only for the duration of the Umrah programme as mentioned in the documents submitted.
Applicants must ensure their passport has at least six months of validity remaining. Health and vaccination certificates are also compulsory, including proof of meningitis vaccination issued not more than three years and not less than ten days before arrival in Saudi Arabia. Female pilgrims under the age of 45 must travel with a legal Mahram, while women aged 45 and above may apply if travelling with a recognised group.
The application window opens on the first of Safar and closes at the end of Shaaban, so pilgrims are advised to plan early. Travel companies in the UAE and other countries are already urging applicants to finalise their bookings before starting the visa process, to avoid unnecessary delays.
A Streamlined Pilgrimage Experience
These new rules are not designed to make the process harder, but rather to ensure that every pilgrim has safe, reliable accommodation and transport ready before arrival. By eliminating last-minute arrangements, Saudi authorities aim to create a smoother, stress-free Umrah journey for millions of Muslims visiting each year.
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